It is a trend that sees Benitez battling to overachieve with a squad of players shy of the quality he is used to working with, and though he may well keep Newcastle up once again this season, the former Real Madrid manager is unlikely to stick around unless his project is backed.

Narrow 2-1 losses away at Manchester City and at home to Arsenal – as well as an excruciating 3-2 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford, in which the Magpies led 2-0 at the break – are signs of what Benitez could achieve with a higher calibre of player.

Victories over the early-season flyers Watford and Bournemouth may look like crucial wins come the end of the season, but the accomplished manager will be hoping for more if he is to sign a new deal with the Toon.